Due Date: October 9th
The Assignment: For this paper, you will produce a 4-5 page essay in which you identify and analyze the literary element(s) within a chosen text in order to support an original, central claim.
You will choose one text from Unit 1 to focus your essay on. In your essay, you will need to 1.) present your thesis statement and 2.) defend that thesis through a close reading of three specific moments from your chosen text.
(There is no need to provide an in-depth summary of your text; assume your reader has already read and is familiar with your chosen text)
When coming up with a thesis statement, remember that your job is not to summarize, but rather to make an original interpretation or argument that is supported by your close reading and analysis of specific moments from the text. Your paper should move beyond the “what” and engage with the “how” and “why.”
This paper will be handwritten during class. The first hour of class (1pm-2pm) on October 9th will be dedicated to writing your papers. Anyone who arrives late will have that much less time to work on their papers; plan accordingly.
You will be able to choose any text from Unit 1 for your paper, and you may bring a physical copy of the text itself with you; however, no other outside materials will be permitted. Your text may be annotated (including highlights, underlines, marginal notes, etc.), however you may not bring any other materials such as pre-written portions of your essay or outlines. Make sure you read your text and read it well.
Texts From Unit 1:
- “Free Love” by Ali Smith
- “A Thing in the Forest” by A.S. Byatt
- “A Perfect Day For Bananafish” by J.D. Salinger
- Antigone by Sophocles
Questions to ask yourself when coming up with a claim:
- What are the major themes of the text? How do the unique choices made by the author help construct this theme?
- What is the historical or social context of the text?
- How do the characters interact with one another? How are they similar? How are they different from one another?
- How is the setting significant?
- What kind of language does the author use? Why?
- Are there any recurring patterns in the text? Are any phrases or symbols repeated?
- Are there any juxtaposing forces or elements in tension with one another in the text?
Requirements: To be successful, your paper must
- Include a central claim/thesis statement
- Demonstrate an understanding of the difference between a claim (supported through close analysis) and a summary of a text
- Exhibit the ability to close-read a given text using the skills presented in class
- Include at least 3 pieces of direct evidence from the text to support your claim in a meaningful, relevant way
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of your chosen literary elements and their function within the overall text
- Include student’s full name, date, and course title at the top of page
- Be a minimum of four full pages
- Include proper citations (author, page #) for all quotes/textual evidence used in the essay (no works cited page needed)
